Is programming an art or science discipline?

Answer 1

It is both. Firstly it is a science. Computing is a science and programming is a science. However, there is an artistic element to it too. Scientifically there are a set amount of commands in any programming language with a strict syntax and rules as to how they can be used. It is up to programmers how they use them to solve a particular problem. Some of them are more creative in how they use them to solve a problem. The different programmers are using the same language and commands and have a full knowledge of the language, but they use them in different ways. Some are better at doing it than others. That is where the art and creativity comes in.

Looking at it another way, you can read a book written by a great author, because you know all of the words used in it. However, you would not have been able to create that story yourself. So although you know the same words in your language that the author does, the author is able to think of clever ideas and use the words more creatively than you can. In some ways, programming is the same. So some programmers have that creative flare, so in the way that writing a book is an art form, writing a really good computer program can be an art form too.

Answer 2

Programming involves using rules, languages etc. to solve an issue or perform a operation (similar to engineering) so is in the realm of science. Of course a programmer could use their knowledge and skills to create something considered art, but for the purposes of categorisation for education and occupation it is closer to the science discipline.

Answer 3

It's considered a science because it's a set of very defined rules and structure.

However, I have seen a strong correlation between programmers and musicians. Not sure why.

Answer 4

Computer programming is a science as it deals with the algorithms and mathematics. But we can say that computer programming is a science that makes art.